These individual-sized “impossible” pies are magic in a muffin tin. By simply mixing all the ingredients together, the batter automatically separates during baking to form its own delicate, cake-like crust on the bottom while leaving a rich, velvety lemon curd filling on top.
Ingredients
Sweetener & Base: 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Citrus: 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, zest of 1 lemon
Binders & Fats: 2 large eggs, 1/4 quarter cup melted butter
Dry Goods: 1/2 cup self-rising flour
Flavor Enhancer: 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish: 2 tbsp powdered sugar, thin lemon slices
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or melted butter, coating the bottom and sides thoroughly to ensure easy removal.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and completely smooth.
Step 3: Whisk in the Flour and Zest
Sift the self-rising flour directly into the wet mixture, then add the fresh lemon zest. Whisk gently just until the flour is completely incorporated and no dry pockets remain. The batter will be relatively thin.
Step 4: Portion and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each roughly three-quarters full. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a slight jiggle remains only in the very center.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Remove the tin from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the mini pies to cool completely inside the tin at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator for an hour to let the custard center set up firmly.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
Carefully run a thin knife around the edge of each cup to release the pies. Dust the tops generously with powdered sugar and finish each piece with a small lemon slice as shown in image_13.png, highlighting the contrast between the firm crust and the gooey, luscious lemon center.